The New Tax Leader’s Almanac

What farmers once relied on the almanac for (practical insights, awareness of external risks, and adaptability) is exactly what indirect tax leaders need heading into 2025. This white paper, developed with CPA.com, maps out the most pressing state and local tax challenges of the year and offers clear guidance for staying compliant.

Sales tax pressure is growing

State and local governments are facing real fiscal stress. Property tax revenue is declining in many areas, and pandemic-era federal funds have dried up. As a result, governments are leaning harder on sales and use tax. Expect more states to expand retail delivery fees, explore marketplace facilitator fees, and extend sales taxes to previously untaxed services. For tax teams, that means new obligations can appear with little warning.

Nexus rules continue to shift

Economic nexus thresholds are still evolving years after the Wayfair decision. More states are moving away from transaction-count thresholds and relying solely on revenue amounts, and each state handles this differently. Add in the complexity of marketplace facilitator transactions and income tax nexus, and the compliance picture gets complicated fast. Keeping pace with nexus changes is not optional.

Audit risk is expanding to mid-sized companies

Sales and use tax audits are back to pre-pandemic frequency, but the scope is widening. Large states like Texas, California, and New York are now increasing scrutiny of mid-sized organizations, not just the largest taxpayers. Auditors are also focusing on digital revenue streams, reconciliation accuracy, exemption certificates, and industries with complex supply chains, like energy and manufacturing. Voluntary disclosure agreements and amnesty programs are worth exploring if your organization has exposure from prior periods.

Tax technology and services can close the gap

Few companies have a clear tax technology roadmap, and that gap creates real risk. Advanced tax automation can offset staffing shortages, improve accuracy, manage exemption certificates, and respond faster to rate and rule changes. CPA firms, including Moss Adams, offer complementary services: nexus analysis, audit support, compliance advisory, and managed services. Together, the right mix of technology and expert guidance helps your team stay ahead of what's coming.

This white paper gives indirect tax leaders a clear-eyed view of 2025 compliance demands and a practical path forward.